Abstract: Device and method for laser welding around a circumference of a workpiece. A fixed, non-movable unitary optical reflector has a pair of optical reflecting surface portions on a first side surface and a second side surface, respectively, arranged at an obtuse angle relative to each other. A workpiece is fixed in an assembly having the reflector. During setup, the vertical distance is adjusted between the reflector and workpiece along an axis that is transverse to a longitudinal axis thereof without any adjustment of the reflecting surfaces. The first and second side surfaces define a curve that is transverse to the longitudinal axis. Once setup has been completed, a laser beam is directed so that it moves along the optical reflector to thereby produce a 360 degree circumferential weld around the workpiece. Another assembly is provided to change the laser beam direction multiple times to irradiate a circumference of a fixed workpiece from a fixed laser source.

Abstract: A Mobile Electric Flash-Butt (EFB) Welding apparatus that incorporates an automated geometry system which creates field/mobile EFB welds with proper vertical alignment, within a definable distance. The system has a first pair of adjustable reference points on a left side of a mobile welding apparatus. The system has a second pair of adjustable reference points on the right side of the welding apparatus. The system has a first lifting mechanism positioned between the first pair of adjustable reference points and a second lifting mechanism positioned between the second pair of adjustable reference points. The welding line is positioned between the first and second pair of adjustable reference points and is the location of the weld. The system allows for comparatively shorter inserts than previously utilized.

Abstract: A single side heating apparatus equipped with a pair of electrodes for heating a workpiece is provided. The apparatus includes: a base portion; the pair of electrodes each having a contact portion configured to contact with the workpiece in one direction continuously or at a plurality of spaced-apart portions thereof; an electrode holder, to which the pair of electrodes are fixed; and a four-bar linkage provided between the base portion and the electrode holder and configured to rotate to tilt the electrode holder around an axis orthogonal to the one direction by a reaction force received by the electrodes from the workpiece. The four-bar linkage includes a first link located closer to the electrode holder, a second link located closer to the base portion, and third and fourth links. The first link is shorter than the second link, and the third link and the fourth link are equal in length.

Abstract: A system for rapidly assembling solar receiving tubes and solar energy systems comprises a welding station is described. The welding station provides for rapidly assembling solar receiver tubes by welding together two or more solar receiving tubes and comprises means for receiving and restraining solar receiver tubes and a welding station comprising an orbital or a rotational weld head.

Abstract: Workpiece-alignment tools and techniques are described. Workpiece-alignment tools and techniques are usable to ensure consistent and durable alignment of various workpieces while providing access for performing attachment techniques thereon. In one example, the workpiece-alignment tool includes alignment surfaces that are joined to one another and oriented at corresponding specific angles. The workpiece-alignment tool includes accessibility cutouts and access spaces that provide a user simultaneous access to points around a joint formed by objects aligned with the alignment surfaces. In this way, the workpiece-alignment tool provides accessibility that allows a user to operate upon a workpiece, e.g., as by joining aligned objects together, without interfering or obstructing access to the objects.

Abstract: A behavior inspection apparatus includes: a first measurement tool group including a set of first measurement tools each of which measures a first distance change amount that is a change amount of a distance between a first pipe position in the first pipe and a first reference position of a sleeve of the extensible flexible pipe joint; and a second measurement tool group including a set of second measurement tools each of which measures a second distance change amount that is a change amount of a distance between a second pipe poison in the second pipe and a second reference position of the sleeve. The first and second measurement tools are arranged at different positions in a circumferential direction of the sleeve. Displacement positions of the first and second pipes with respect to the joint are computed based on the measurement data by the first and second measurement tool groups.

Abstract: Provided are a jig of improving adhesion between a battery cell and a metal plate, which improves the adhesion between the battery cell and the metal plate of the battery pack to improve quality of laser welding and a method using the same.

Abstract: A side panel home-positioning jig is configured to hold and home-position an opposite side panel of a body in a roof laser-brazing system, the roof laser-brazing system configured with a predetermined brazing section and a predetermined grinding section along a transferring path of the body and configured to bond a roof panel to opposite side panels based on the body that includes the opposite side panels.

Abstract: A heat treatment method of an impeller includes a heat treatment preparation process of arranging the impeller within a vacuum furnace, an impeller covering process of covering an outer peripheral surface of the impeller in a circumferential direction by a heat uniformizing jig made of a radiation conversion material which radiates transferred heat as radiant heat, and a heat treatment process including a heating process and a cooling process in which heat treatment is performed by heating or cooling the impeller covered with the heat uniformizing jig from the periphery using a heater.

Abstract: A pipeline laying vessel for laying a pipeline (5) on a seabed, which pipeline laying vessel comprises a hull, a positioning device (6) for positioning a pipe section in a firing line (3) along which the pipeline is laid, which positioning device is supported by the hull, and a clamp (17) for holding the pipeline suspended from the vessel, wherein the clamp is located in the firing line, and comprises a support device (18) constructed and arranged to allow the clamp to hold the pipeline in a first mode wherein the clamp has a fixed position relative to the positioning device, and in a second mode (52) wherein the clamp is pivotable relative to the positioning device.

Abstract: When spot-welding a workpiece including a thin plate, a first thick plate, and a second thick plate, the workpiece is clamped by a fixed electrode in contact with the second thick plate, a movable electrode in contact with the thin plate, and control-pressure applying unit set adjacent to the movable electrode and in contact with the thin plate. Pressure is applied to the second thick plate by the fixed electrode, and pressure and control pressure are respectively applied by the movable electrode and the control-pressure applying unit to the thin plate. The pressure from the fixed electrode is controlled to be smaller than the pressure from the movable electrode. The current density between the thin plate and the first thick plate increases.

Abstract: A laser welding tool comprises a first and a second tool part for fixing a first welding article to a second welding article. The two welding articles are arranged at least partially between the two tool parts. The second tool part comprises at least two partial elements which are displaceable independently of one another toward the first tool part for pressing the second welding article against the first welding article.

Abstract: An electrically heating device is provided with a pair of clamp units serving as electrodes for energization and applying tension to a workpiece to be heated clamped between the clamp units by moving the clamp units in the direction in which the clamp units separate from each other during energization heating. The clamp units each include a facing surface inclined with respect to the moving direction of the clamp units and form, by the facing surface, a preform including an inclined surface inclined with respect to the plane direction of the workpiece in a clamping portion clamped between the clamp units in the workpiece.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for manufacturing a solar cell module using a laser. In the present invention, a tabbing process for bonding a solar cell and metal electrodes is performed by a local irradiation with a laser, so that the heating area can be localized only to a required zone (bonding area) for the tabbing process, thereby minimizing a direct heating zone which occurs in the process. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the damage such as cracks and breakage due to thermal expansion/contraction of a solar cell which is conventionally configured to have a multi-layered structure made of different materials, to improve the bonding strength and the bonding uniformity, and to reduce the processing time, thereby improving the production efficiency.

Abstract: An apparatus and related method are provided for a manufacturing process including heating of a processed part. A resistance heating assembly applies an electrical current to a work part comprising a sheet of high-tensile steel having a heat-resistant plating to improve formability. A heating control system regulates the electrical current to the work part in order to control the temperature of the work part. A temperature detector detects a temperature of the work part and generates feedback to the heating control system in order to regulate the electrical current. An electrical resistance detector measures an electrical resistance within the work part and generates feedback to the heating control system in order to regulate the electrical current.

Abstract: A method and device for controlling current flow through a welding clamp are provided. One welding clamp includes a first contact piece configured to contact a workpiece and to provide a first current path that limits current flow. The welding clamp also includes a second contact piece configured to contact the workpiece and to provide a second current path. When the welding clamp is being clamped to the workpiece, the first contact piece is configured to contact the workpiece prior to the second contact piece. In addition, the welding clamp is configured so that current flows through the first current path prior to flowing through the second current path when the welding clamp is being clamped to the workpiece.

Abstract: The problem of firmly gripping a cylindrical component over a range of permitted diameters is solved by providing a protrusion on the surface of a cantilevered seat, the seat being substantially complementarily curved to accommodate the cylindrical component. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention a clamp for holding a cylindrical component is provided comprising at least one curved seat having at least one protrusion, the curved seat being cantilevered by a first end. The protrusion is configured to contact the cylindrical component under load such that a concentrated load is exerted on the curved seat between a first end and a second end causing the curved seat to be elastically deflected.

Abstract: Clamping means which may be used with soldering pliers, having a first element (18) and a second element (20) relatively displaceable by the action of a screw (10) that can be rotated about an axis (XX) by the action of a motor (M); a nut (12) cooperating with the screw (10) and which can be driven in the direction of the screw axis (XX), the screw being coupled to the first element (18); first guiding means (34L) defining linear guidance parallel to the axis (XX) of the screw to prevent rotation of the nut (12) in a first phase of displacement of the nut; and second helicoidal guiding means (34H) extending with the axis (XX) of the screw (12) and which has an thread inverted in relation to the screw thread to allow the nut (12) to rotate in the same direction of rotation as the screw (10) in a second nut displacement phase; in addition to a compensation system (46) arranged between the first element (18) and a mobile support (14) coupled to the nut (12) in order to reinitialize the position of the first elem

Abstract: A welding torch maintenance center that uses a microcontroller to control the operation, to configure the maintenance center, to repeat the reaming process for excessive spatter deposit inside the nozzle, to spray the nozzle with anti-spatter fluid, to cut the welding wire, to provide a tool center point check signal, and to provide diagnostic information.

Abstract: The present invention refers to an apparatus and method that allows manufacturing of steel poles and honeycomb columns. It consists of placing previously cut strips of steel in vertical position with a set of top and bottom clamping devices to form a steel tapered pole. The strips of steel are welded together, to form a steel pole or honeycomb column, with a slideable welding device mounted on a ascending and descending moving welding platform. The moving welding platform moves to the top position, the top clamping device is liberated and the finished pole or honeycomb column is tilted 90 degrees to the front of the machine by a hydraulic cylinder that tilts the extraction platform. The finished pole or honeycomb column is positioned in the extraction bed and the bottom clamps release the pole.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for clamping components during machining, in particular during welding of sheet-metal components arranged in two or multiple layers. The apparatus includes a holder for a machining head, in particular for a laser machining head, a pressure-exerting element fitted on the holder in a movable fashion relative thereto, a pressure-exerting device provided operatively between the holder and the pressure-exerting element and having a first actuating element for moving the pressure-exerting element relative to the holder into a first direction, and a second actuating element for moving the pressure-exerting element into a second direction which is opposite to the first direction, and a force-setting device for controlling the pressure-exerting device in order to set a clamping force. During welding, the clamping force is exerted on the sheet-metal components by the pressure-exerting element.

Abstract: The invention relates to a clamping device for clamping at least two components (6, 7) in a radiation-protected machine tool, particularly in a laser welding device (1), comprising—a receptacle (18) for supporting the first component (6), —a clamping head (16) for applying a force to the second component (7) in order to generate clamping pressure at the joint surface (8, 9) between the two components (6, 7), —an inner clamping jaw (11) located within the peripheral beam path (10) of the machine tool, the jaw having a clamping surface (12) for internally clamping the components (6, 7), and—narrow connecting struts (15) for connecting the inner clamping jaw (11) to the external clamping head (16), said connecting struts (15) bridging the passage gap (7) in the clamping head (16) allowing access for the beam path (10) of the machine tool to the components (6, 7).

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a metal article includes a station which receives and supports a workpiece. The station has a source of electrical current and a source of a fluid. The station further includes a first and a second electrode clamp. Each clamp is in electrical communication with the source of current and in fluid communication with the source of fluid. The clamps engage a workpiece and deliver an electrical current and a fluid thereto. The system includes an actuator mechanically associated with at least one of the clamps. The actuator is operable in combination with a clamp to apply mechanical force to the workpiece. The system is operable to selectably control the temperature profile and/or ambient conditions of a workpiece during forming or processing steps. Disclosed are specific systems including modular systems. Also disclosed are methods for using the systems.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming a stringer are provided. The stringer generally includes a web having a desired corrugated configuration and first and second flanges welded to opposite edges of the web. The apparatus includes a support structure, a strongback that is supported by the support structure, and a plurality of dies that are adjustable relative to the strongback. The strongback defines a corrugated contour surface corresponding to the desired corrugated configuration of the web. The dies define corresponding forming surfaces and are configured to be advanced toward the strongback to thereby form the web to the desired corrugated configuration between the contour surface of the strongback and the forming surfaces of the dies. Further, the apparatus can receive the flanges of the stringer in a predetermined configuration with the web so that the flanges can be welded to the web while the web is supported by the strongback and dies in the desired corrugated configuration.

Abstract: An improved spot welding system for clamping and welding a plurality of workpieces at predetermined datum locations includes a clamping element, and at least one electrode. The preferred electrode(s) and element are concentrically alignable during engagement, and configured to produce an annular weld about the datum location. More preferably, the workpieces define an opening at the datum location, the element includes an insulated pin at least a portion of which is configured to pass-through the opening, and the electrode defines an inner space configured to receive the portion of the pin, when the electrode and element fully engage the workpieces.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for centring and clamping conduits which are preferably made from alloy steel and which are positioned end to end in order to be welded to form a pipeline. The invention comprises: means for centring and clamping two conduits that are to be welded, optional leak-tight partition means which define an inerting chamber at the mating surface, and inert gas distribution means for creating a protective atmosphere at the mating surface. The inventive device also comprises at least means for regulating the flow of inert gas and/or the supply pressure of said inert gas as a function of the concentration of O2 measured in the protective atmosphere and/or the pressure measured within said atmosphere, such as to maintain the O2 content of the atmosphere below a pre-determined alarm threshold value and/or the pressure of the atmosphere below a pre-determined threshold value.

Abstract: A plurality of attachments having springs hold the outer plate of a fuel tank, and an inner jig positions the inner plate. The attachments are attached to clamp arms which are opened/closed by cylinders. When the overlap portion between the outer and inner plates is welded, the thermal deformation caused by welding is accommodated by the springs. The attachments are spaced from the fuel tank in the order in which the welding point is approached.

Abstract: A purge gas introduction system for an orbital tube welding setup is provided, configured to inject high purity inert purge gas to the interior volume of a tube or tubular component. An o-ring is interposed between an annular base and an annular ring, their junction forming an annular o-ring groove, each part forming one sidewall, with the o-ring fully recessed within the groove, protecting the o-ring during the insertion and removal of a tube. The annular base and an annular ring are configured to receive a tube terminus. The sidewalls of the o-ring groove are divergent one to the other, wherein as the annular ring is drawn towards the annular base, the o-ring is forced partially out of the groove, forming a substantially leak tight seal between the tube and the o-ring. A purge gas from an external source is transmitted to the annular base through a purge connector, then, in turn, introduced to the interior volume of the tube.

Abstract: A clamping device or system (1) is provided for body parts (8, 9), which have a component clamping contour (11), especially a component flange. The clamping device or system (1) has one or more clamping devices (2, 3), which have each a frame-like structure (12) with fixed and mobile clamping units (18, 19) arranged therein, which are present in a plurality of pairs. The clamping units (18, 19) have a strip-shaped design and are adapted to the course of the component clamping contour. Furthermore, the clamping device or system (1) has an adjusting device (21), which feeds the mobile clamping units (19) to the component clamping contour and actuates them together or in a controllable sequence.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a metal article includes a station which receives and supports a workpiece. The station has a source of electrical current and a source of a fluid. The station further includes a first and a second electrode clamp. Each clamp is in electrical communication with the source of current and in fluid communication with the source of fluid. The clamps engage a workpiece and deliver an electrical current and a fluid thereto. The system includes an actuator mechanically associated with at least one of the clamps. The actuator is operable in combination with a clamp to apply mechanical force to the workpiece. The system is operable to selectably control the temperature profile and/or ambient conditions of a workpiece during forming or processing steps. Disclosed are specific systems including modular systems. Also disclosed are methods for using the systems.

Abstract: An apparatus for tacking a multi-lumen tubular assembly together comprises a laser, an optical member and a placement tray for retaining the tubular assembly. A portion of the optical member defines a window that is substantially transparent to laser energy emitted from the laser. The window has a substantially concave shaped surface. The placement tray and the window surface define a processing area for positioning at least a portion of the tubular assembly. The processing area receives the laser energy that is emitted from the laser and passed through the window of the optical member. The tubular assembly is defined by an outer tubular member disposed about at least a portion of at least one inner tubular member. The laser energy transmitted into the processing area is transmitted substantially through the outer tubular member and is substantially absorbed by at least one region of the least one inner tubular member.

Abstract: During welding with high output power, the gaps between the pieces being joined may not exceed a maximal gap width. A process for laser beam welding is provided, which on the one hand ensures maintaining (not exceeding) a maximal gap width between the sheets and on the other hand makes possible a maximal utilization of the achievable welding speed. The sheets, prior to welding, are first spot welded, wherein they are clamped only during this spot welding in order to ensure the maintenance of a maximum gap width.

Abstract: A device for material processing, such as welding, joining, cutting, inspecting and the like, includes an energy beam source and one or more energy beam transfer devices. The one or more transfer devices may direct an energy beam at one or more predetermined locations on a workpiece. In one embodiment of the present invention, the transfer device may be rotated around or moved relative to the workpiece on a movable frame. In another embodiment of the present invention, an inspection device may be moved or rotated around a workpiece on a movable frame. A further material processing device may include a material processing system directed along a predetermined path. The material processing device may also include an inspection system adapted to move along the predetermined path.

Abstract: A laser target includes a shank having a first wedge converging from a step to a distal end of the wedge. A complementary second wedge is mounted on the step and converges with the first wedge. The two wedges have respective target apertures aligned with each other transversely therethrough.

Abstract: A clamping mechanism for locating sheet metal components includes a carrier plate and a clamping jaw swivel-mounted in relation to the carrier plate, the sheet metal components being clamped in contact areas between the carrier plate and the clamping jaw. The carrier plate is bolted to a support element, which is fixed to a base unit. Between the carrier plate and the support element there is an intermediate plate, which is positioned in relation to the carrier plate by a first set of locating pins and in relation to the support element by a second set of locating pins. The use of an intermediate plate with modified orientation of the locating pins may enable the carrier plate together with the component contact areas provided thereon to be displaced in relation to the support element.

Abstract: A device for clamping overlapped edges of metal sheets to be joined by laser welding; the clamping device comprises a box-shaped head, a clamping arm pivotally connected to one end of the head, in order to rotate between an open condition, a closed condition in which the overlapped edges of the metal sheets are pressed against each other, and an intermediate condition in which the overlapped edges of the metal sheets are made to be slightly spaced apart for laser welding; the clamping arm is operatively connected to an electric control actuator by a toggle mechanism and intermediate transmission members; the clamping device also comprises counteracting biasing means to rearwardly urging the clamping arm for compensation of clearances existing in the operative connection between the clamping arm and the electric control actuator.

Abstract: The laser welding system including a welding frame for receiving a first steel plate to be welded thereupon, at least one first clamping member to be installed above the welding frame, for fixing the first steel plate received on the welding frame, at least one second clamping member for fixing a second steel plate to be welded in close vicinity to a position at which the first steel plate is to be engaged with and welded with the second steel plate, an anvil on which the second steel plate is received, for moving the second steel plate to the position at which the first steel plate is to be engaged with and welded with the second steel plate, and a laser welding head for welding the first and second steel plates at the position at which the first steel plate is to be welded with the second steel plate. The first and second clamping members and anvil are operated by air bags.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a laser welding system having a travel path to carry a first blank and a second blank. An upstream clamp assembly and a downstream clamp assembly are positioned on the travel path and each of the upstream and downstream clamp assemblies are movable to an open position to allow the first blank to pass through the upstream clamp assembly to a first location within the downstream clamp assembly. A laser welding source is directed at a weld location on the travel path between the upstream and downstream clamp assemblies. At least one locating means is operable to locate the first weld edge adjacent the weld location. A first displacement means displaces the first weld edge against the locating means. The downstream clamp assembly is movable from the open position to a closed clamped position to clamp the first blank with the first weld edge adjacent the weld location. The locating means is operable to be withdrawn from the travel path.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for clamping and welding pieces of sheet metal (13, 14) which are placed against one another, preferably for use in the area of automobile manufacturing. According to the invention, a bracket (3) is fastened to a mounting flange (1), preferably of a robot arm. Said bracket (3) comprises a clamping tool (6) and a welding head (10). The energy beam (16) of the welding head (10) is directed into the welding gap between the pieces of sheet metal (13, 14). Using the mounting flange (1), the bracket (3) and/or the welding head (10) can be displaced in a linear guide (4), said guide being situated opposite the hydraulic cylinder (7), according to the progression of the weld seam (11). In addition, stop elements (8, 8′) for detecting the position of the edges of at least one of the pieces of sheet metal (13, 14) are arranged on the clamping tool (6) in order to position the pieces of sheet metal (13, 14) with regard to one another and/or to the welding head (10).

Abstract: A locating and locking unit for sheet metal parts which are to be assembled by electric spot-welding on a motor-vehicle body, comprising a base platform, for receiving the trolley of a positioning frame equipped with locating and locking devices for the parts to be welded. The base platform can be rotated between a non-operative horizontal position and an inclined position in which the positioning frame can engage the parts to be welded in a welding station along the assembly line. Locating elements are provided for defining the precise position of the positioning frame along two mutually orthogonal axes in a plane that is perpendicular to the axis of the line and along an axis parallel to the line.

Abstract: A magnetic clamping system and method for locating and holding a workpiece (6), in particular a non-magnetic workpiece (6) within a machine tool (2) and specifically a numerically laser cutting or drilling machine tool. The system comprising at least one magnet (9), and a fixture structure (7), attached to the machine tool, which cooperates and in use engages and supports a portion of the workpiece (6) mounted upon and within the fixture structure. At least one clamp member (11) made of a magnetic material is disposed opposite and facing the at least one magnet (9) with the magnet (9) so that the portion of the workpiece (6) is sandwiched between a clamp member (11) and the magnet (9). A magnetic attractive force between the clamp member (11) and magnet (9) providing a clamping force to hold the workpiece (6). The magnets (9) preferably permanent neodymium magnets.

Abstract: An electric motor device for powering a tool clamp, for example a resistance welding clamp, of the type comprising a casing of an electric motor 4 the shaft of which is connected to the clamp, to control the electrodes for opening, closing and clamping them onto a metal sheet, by a system of the through-the-motor type which converts the rotary motion of the shaft into translational motion of a mechanism 5 operating the clamp, this motor being linked to a control variator and a slaving device 10 coupled to the rotor of the motor. The device 10 being arranged at the end of the motor shaft, the shaft is fitted with a gear wheel 14 which can be operated from the outside, for rotating it manually, through at least one opening 15 in the casing offset with respect to the motor shaft.

Abstract: A fixture for receiving and retaining a fitting having a through bore and an end wall. The fixture comprises a body for receiving the fitting, and an actuator for engaging the fitting at the intersection of the through bore and the end wall such that the fitting is held securely between the body and the actuator.

Abstract: Two or more metal sheets, at least one of which has a protective layer made of material having a low vaporization temperature, are welded to each other by means of a laser beam after that a gap has been provided between the sheets to enable the vapors of the protective material which are created during welding to escape. The gap is obtained by exploiting the elastic return of one of the sheets starting from an elastically deformed condition in which this sheet is brought following the engagements of the device hich is used to clamp the sheets with each other during welding. In a first stage, the clamping device is closed to bring the sheets in complete contact with each other, by causing the above-mentioned elastic deformation of one of the sheets, in a second stage, the clamping device is opened again by a limited extent, until a predetermined position is reached, so as to define a gap between the sheets having substantially predetermined dimensions.

Abstract: Welding of two or more steel sheets, at least one of which has a protective layer of a material with a low vaporization temperature, is carried out by directing a laser beam on two overlapped flanges of the sheets, which are clamped in position during welding by means of clamping devices. These clamping devices are able to hold the flanges to be welded in a slightly spaced apart position from each other, so as to create a gap, which does not jeopardize the possibility of carrying out the welding while enabling evacuation of the vapours of the protective material, which are generated during welding.

Abstract: A bi-directional compliant precision linear slide apparatus having a base that supports two side bearing blocks, side rails and an internal air cylinder. The bearing blocks allow for a set of side rails to be moved in a first direction via the introduction or expelling of air to and from the air cylinder. A top rail allows for a top mounting bracket to be moved back and forth in a second direction, and a set of spring loaded plungers facilitate the precise positioning of the top mounting bracket within the top rails prior to bracket engagement to tube. The top mounting bracket is connected to a first component that is to be welded to a second component. Thus, by controlling the precise position of the top mounting bracket, the gap between the two components is controlled thereby affecting the type and quality of weld needed, reducing the amount of the weld time, and reducing the amount of heat introduced into the two components during the welding process.

Abstract: A tube clamping assembly comprising a first portion having a base and a clamping device carried on the base, and a second portion having a base and a clamping device carried on the base. The first and second portions are coupled to each other such that the portions may be adjusted relative each other. In another embodiment, the invention is a tube clamping assembly comprising a base, and a first movable clamp arm and a first stationary clamp arm coupled to the base for gripping a cylindrical workpiece therebetween. The tube clamping assembly further comprises a second movable clamp arm and a second stationary clamp arm coupled to the base for gripping a cylindrical workpiece therebetween, wherein at least one of the stationary clamp arms is removably coupled to the base.

Abstract: The invention provides a pipe handling system which can transform a flat XY cutting system into a pipe cutting system which maintains very accurate pipe positions for laser, plasma, mechanical or other material processes, regardless of distortions in the pipe. The invention also provides a pipe handling system which can accommodate longer pipes, and a large range of pipe diameters. The pipe handling system is simpler, lighter and much more economical than conventional pipe handling systems.

Abstract: An installation for positioning and welding body parts of different types of motor vehicles. The installation includes a mounting frame (5) which is guided on a conveyor line and which has receiving elements for at least some vehicle body parts. Positioning devices (8) are provided for the vehicle body parts (6) and at least one robot is provided for carrying out welding work. The invention is very flexible in terms of product modifications. The mounting frame (5) has positioning devices for at least some vehicle body parts (6) and clamping devices for the vehicle body parts. An additional (lower) conveyor line (10) is located under the first conveyor (2). One of several auxiliary mounting frames (12) is guided on the additional conveyor line. Parking positions (13) for the auxiliary mounting frames (12) are provided next to the lower conveyor line (10).

Abstract: To weld a workpiece rounded from plane metal sheet on a seam welding machine, the workpiece is introduced into a preform (7) whose internal shape is approximately the same as the workpiece. Stops (11, 12, 14) are used to fix the workpiece in place in the preform, and the workpiece is then moved together with the preform (7) towards the welding rollers and welded. To this end the preform (7) is arranged on a platform (6) which in its turn is arranged on a movable carriage (3) in the welding machine (1). Welding with the preform makes it possible to weld together any desired sheet metal workpieces, including those which are not uniformly rounded because, for example, they are formed from blanks incorporating recesses.